One man’s guess at the Chiefs’ 53-man roster

Heading into Thursday's final preseason game against Green Bay, Sam Mellinger offers his projections on the final roster. Which crew is rock-solid? The QB corps of Alex Smith, Chase Daniel and Tyler Bray.

Rico Richardson had a nice moment in overtime against the Steelers, but I still think he’s the odd man out. The Chiefs have been focused on speed, especially at receiver, which gives Wiley and Jenkins an advantage.

Tight ends (4)

: Anthony Fasano, Tony Moeaki, Travis Kelce, Demetrius Harris

This is a lot of tight ends to carry, and the Chiefs could still put Moeaki on IR. But in effect, Moeaki’s injury means the Chiefs probably need to keep Harris for depth. In a roundabout way, it may have cost Richardson a spot.

The Chiefs have been active in turning over the bottom of their roster since the beginning of training camp, and the last O-Line spot — we’re looking at you, Kush — could be the next. This unit is a concern, especially as it relates to keeping Alex Smith healthy and Jamaal Charles studly.

One of the position battles has been the starting spot opposite Derrick Johnson. Jordan looks like the frontrunner, veteran presence, all that stuff, but Johnson should play plenty and has a chance to become a starter.

Cornerbacks (4)

: Brandon Flowers, Sean Smith, Dunta Robinson, Jalil Brown

Other than quarterback, this has been the position upgraded most substantially by John Dorsey and Andy Reid. And for good reason. They could still use some depth here, because opposing quarterbacks still love to see Brown on the field. Dorsey may not be done working this position.

This is a lot of safeties, but this is how the defense has played in the preseason and Commings (once he’s healthy) could go back and forth between cornerback. I also have this sneaky suspicion that Bradley McDougald might nudge someone off the roster. The Chiefs would love to get McDougald on the practice squad, but I bet someone would steal him. Kennard Cox would be the other candidate to break in here.